Princess Neverland
Nov. 25 2021, Published 12:50 p.m. ET
I’m starting to think the Dutch royals aren't that bothered about the future of their institution.
In 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated, just as her mother, Queen Juliana, had done in 1980.
And now the daughter of the current King, Willem-Alexander, has said she is unfazed by calls to abolish the monarchy saying: "They can do it, as far as I’m concerned!”
In a glossy authorized biography released to mark her forthcoming 18th birthday on December 7, Crown Princess Amalia said that if the monarchy were to go, “I’ll just carry on with living my life.”
Support for the royals in The Netherlands has dropped in recent months and questions are are increasingly being raised about its cost to the taxpayer, although it’s not thought abolition is imminent.
But Amalia’s outspoken views will hardly help matters.
The King and Queen Máxima were heavily criticized last year when they went on holiday to Greece while the country was in lockdown from COVID, and they had to scuttle home and give a shame-faced apology.
The new biography, seemingly a right of passage for Dutch future monarchs on reaching adulthood, was written by Claudia de Breij, a comedian and actress.
Amalia talked to her about her her mental health, revealing she was sent to a child psychologist as her parents were concerned about her.
She apparently needed help after he aunt took her own life in 2018 and the treatment is ongoing.
“I don’t think it’s taboo,” she said.
“If I feel the need, I make an appointment.
“Just vent, and then I’ll be ready for another month.”
In a video on social media Amalia said: “I think the book is very cool … it paints a really nice picture of who I am.”
The Princess, who has waived her right to an annual income of $1.5 million until she performs royal duties, also said she would ask her mother to stand in for a few years if her father were to die suddenly.
